Chris: flexibility to meet personal and professional goals
When BPR Heaton joined the UHY family in 2023, the firm brought along its rich 100-year history and a team of five partners and 35 team members. Among them was Chris Mayfield, who first joined the firm in 2009 and has become a staple member of the office in the years since. Known for his commitment to best practices and dedication to mentoring others, Chris is an invaluable resource across all levels of the organisation.
As the firm’s small-business assistant manager, Chris has proven himself as the go-to person for apprentice training and a dedicated mentor to the next generation of accounting professionals. His personable nature and friendly approach, coupled with his knowledge and expertise, have ensured he is in the process of a well-deserved promotion to manager.
It was this very question from Chris’ mother to her 18-year-old son that ultimately set the trajectory of his professional life. Like many young adults fresh out of college, Chris wasn’t sure which career avenue to pursue. He did, however, have a natural talent for Maths and numbers. His mother recognised this too, and with a little nudge in the right direction, Chris embarked on his journey. It was that simple question that has led to nearly two decades in the world of accountancy.
After almost 14 successful years at BPR Heaton, and after having quite an impact on the firm and his colleagues, Chris decided to leave the firm and pursue a new challenge, only to return within just 10 days. He quickly realised that the new opportunity wasn’t the right fit for him.
“The grass isn’t always greener”, Chris explained. It was during his short time away from the firm that Chris reflected on how his previous role and working environment were the best places for his professional growth. “Without sounding cliché, I don’t regret leaving for that short period, as it made me reflect and appreciate my position at the firm. I know this is where I’m supposed to be”, he added.
A seamless transition
Having worked at BPR Heaton for almost 14 years before the firm joined UHY’s UK group, Chris had a natural apprehension ahead of such a significant change. However, he quickly realised that “there was no big change, in the best possible way”. It was the perfect union with aligned values and an ongoing commitment to helping clients. Having access to a network of united offices and the chance to partner and collaborate with other likeminded professionals has helped the firm and its people embrace new opportunities while remaining anchored in its founding values that have guided their operations for over a century.
For Chris, joining the UHY family has reaffirmed how people really do matter to the firm. Particularly, the understanding that a positive work-life balance is essential for the wellbeing and productivity of team members. Having the freedom and flexibility of UHY’s hybrid work approach has allowed Chris to be present in his most important role in life – being a father to his three children.
This flexibility allows Chris to manage his professional responsibilities while also being there for his family. Whether it is attending school events or doing the school drop-off, Chris has the freedom to structure his workday in a way that aligns with both his personal and professional commitments. Importantly, it also allows Chris to indulge in his passion for running, giving him the freedom to take a longer lunchtime run and make up the time later in the day.
“UHY understands that you need to find the time for you, as well as the firm”, Chris said, highlighting how this emphasis on flexibility and employee wellbeing is one of the many reasons UHY BPR Heaton is the ideal place for Chris and so many others.
Like his past, Chris’ future at UHY looks bright and filled with lots of excitement and opportunity. As he begins the transition to managerial level, Chris is eager to develop new skills and master the responsibilities that naturally come with this progression. He is committed to not only helping the firm and his teammates prosper, but himself too.
What truly resonates with Chris as he plans for this next phase of his career, however, is a personal goal that remains at the forefront of everything he does: making his family proud. This is what drives Chris both professionally and personally, and it’s a goal that he has no doubt already achieved.
